(Times Record - Aledo, Illinois - December 2, 1915)

Joseph Mann, son of Young C. and Mary Mann, was born in North Henderson township November 15, 1840 and died at his home in New Windsor Saturday, November 27, 1915, aged 75 years and 2 days. For several months Mr. Mann had been critically ill and his last days on earth were those of great affliction. Yet with the fortitude of his pioneer days he bore his troubles heroically and an everlasting peace is his just reward. Mr. Mann was the first white child born in North Henderson township and with the exception of 11 years spent in Nebraska, he passed his entire life in this county. It can truly be said of him that he was one of the pillars on which the great state of Illinois leaned for support in its days of darkness and adversity, for out of its crudeness he helped to mold forests into broad acres and perpetuate a government that insures peace and plenty to every home. When the call came to serve his country in the great Civil war he placed thought of self behind patriotism and enlisted in Co. A. 102nd Ill. Vol. Inft. For nearly four years he suffered the privations incident to war and on June 6, 1865, was one of those who proudly marched down Pennsylvania avenue in Washington and received an honorable discharge. Among the principal events in which Mr. Mann was engaged were Sherman's march to the sea and the battle of Kenesaw mountain. He was one on whom his home and country could depend and no greater compliment can be paid any man. Mr. Mann was first married to Miss Sarah Ellen Melton, who died Sept. 3, 1879. Seven children were born to this union, four of whom survive, namely: Mrs. Fannie Starkey, Danville; Mrs. Florence Whitaker, Kearney, Nebraska; Mrs. Mame McBride, Gibbon, Nebraska, and Claude W. Mann of North Henderson. On June 19, 1882, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Elizabeth M. Sigman. Four children were the fruits of this marriage, one of whom preceded the father in death. The living are Frank A. Mann, of Alpha; James R. Mann, of Viola and Mrs. Mary Milner of North Henderson. The widow, together with the children and one step-daughter, Mrs. Grace Riggins, of Douglas, this state, today mourn the loss of one most dear. Mr. Mann is also survived by a brother, Andrew Mann, a sister, Mrs. Mary McCall, both of Alexis, 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the New Windsor M. E. church Tuesday, November 30, 1915, at 10 a. m., Rev. Arve R. Johnson officiating. Burial was in Mann cemetery in North Henderson township. The pallbearers were R. S. Petrie, C. L. Petrie, F. W. Streeter, W. H. Gladman, Orison Veeder, and J. G. Lindorff. A quartet composed of Mrs. C. R. Bates, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Anderson and A. J. Christy sang, Mrs. E. J. Pearson being at the piano. The large concourse present at the funeral and the tender sympathy shown the bereaved ones spoke silently of the high esteem in which the deceased was held.